Model of Sculpture, 2005

Inspired by the materials from which International Lofts is built, this sculpture embraces the idea of continuity. Its material origins are both the staircase on which its community ascends and descends and the copper sheeting which highlights the connection of the floors with the developing lives of those who live within the walls. Formally, the sculpture references the mathematical symbol for infinity connecting the ground with the sky, time with space, and the visible with the unknown; only the top half of the symbol is visible above ground, but the concept continues below. With a skin of alternating copper and aluminum between the steel banisters, this sculpture invites viewers to experience the work of art from all directions, transposing the site’s sky with images of black and white photographic skies from Waldman’s backpacking trips throughout Northern California silk-screened onto aluminum sheeting. The artwork encourages the space beneath the curves to be enjoyed as much as the space around it.  The design of this work is an invitation to viewers to experience the grassy space in a new way, but not to prevent that space from being used recreationally.